Catatonic Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia relates to not just one, but a group of severe brain disorders. People who are affected by this condition have a tendency to interpret reality in an abnormal way. Such people, with time, lose their ability to take care of themselves and lead a normal life. Also, the term 'schizophrenia' does mean 'split mind', but, the condition cannot be regarded as a problem of split personality, contrary to popular belief. It only refers to the imbalance of emotions and thinking. Now, what we are talking about here is one of the many types of schizophrenia.

Major Symptoms

In catatonic schizophrenia, the patient exhibits extreme types of behavior. This you would understand after you go through the symptoms. One of the common symptoms of is the patient's inability to move or speak. Catatonic stupor may also arise. Here, the sufferer may keep staring and hold his body in a rigid position. The person may also be unaware about his surroundings. Also, one typical symptom is what is known as waxy flexibility. Meaning, if the sufferer has moved his arm into a certain position, he might forget to move his arm again for several hours.

As I mentioned, patients of this condition exhibit extreme behavior. Some become unable to move or speak, while some have excited movements which have no purpose. Here the person may suffer from violent mental agitation, may go round in circles, scream in a laughing voice, etc. Then comes the symptom of extreme resistance, wherein, the patient refuses to follow instruction and is not able to move.

Other symptoms that indicate catatonic schizophrenia, include fits of mimicking other people voice and making all kinds of peculiar movements. Apart from these primary symptoms, there could be additional ones such as lack of emotions, poor personal hygiene, outbursts of anger and being isolated from the social word. Delusions, hallucinations and letting out emotions inappropriate to the situation, are some more symptoms.

Causal Factors

No specific causes has been identified yet. However, brain dysfunction could be related. What causes the onset of this dysfunction is also not known. But some scientists do have the idea that an interaction of genetics and environment may be responsible for it. There are some brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. Problems with these chemicals may also cause this condition.

Treatment Procedures

The treatment of catatonic schizophrenia is mostly lifelong and is generally continued even when the patient begins to feel better and the symptoms have retreated. One important aspect about the treatment is that, it could be challenging for some people. This is due to the fact that patients might refuse using the medications when they start feeling better. But, as mentioned, treatment is lifelong, and it is the only way to keep a check on the condition.

A skilled psychiatrist is appointed for dealing with the condition. But, he is not the only one who would be involved in the process. He may be accompanied by the patient's family members, friends, pharmacist and psychiatrist. Case worker, psychiatric nurse and social worker, may also join the treatment team. Now, the treatment procedure may include various kinds of medications, psychotherapy, training associated with vocational skills, and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

At home, patients or their family members may pay attention to a few things which can add to the effectiveness of the treatment of catatonic schizophrenia. Taking medications as directed, paying attention to the signs and symptoms, avoiding drugs and alcohol and consulting the doctor before taking any kind of medications other than specified, are some of the measures which could help build on the treatment plan. And needless to say, keeping oneself abreast of this medical condition and finding support from friends and family, are equally vital.